We've Been Busy!

We've been so busy the last couple of months, and I got behind on my blog, so now it's time for an update. Since our trip to Yosemite in July, we have taken a couple more small trips to the mountains and the beach, Brian traveled to Haiti for a mission trip and to Phoenix for a football game, school has started, and the girls are knee-deep in their after school activities!

On July 31st, we drove down to LA for my sister's birthday. We took her and Gabe out to dinner, but on our way to her house, we trekked around Los Angeles to see a few sights.

Sarah at the Chinese Theater

Santa Monica Beach

Before the end of summer, Sarah and her friends wanted a day at the beach. I was happy to be the chauffeur/chaperone, and Katie was happy to come along! We went to Zuma Beach in Malibu, and it was perfect! The water was not too cold, the beach was huge and not too crowded and the sun was warm!

Sarah and her friends Emma and Morgan

During the first week of August, Brian went to Haiti on a Living Water mission trip with a group from our old church in Cypress. They drilled and installed a clean water well that will serve a community of over 2,000 people! Brian was thankful to be able to go on this trip and serve, and I know he also enjoyed spending a week with some of his favorite men from CFCC.

LWI well dedication

Cap-Haitien

Bob, Brian, and Will toasting coconuts

School started on August 17th. Sarah was so nervous about starting a new school, but Katie was excited about getting back to school and seeing her friends again. Katie and Sarah are both having a great school year so far. We've settled right into our weekly routines and things are going smoothly!

First Day of School

Brian had a guys weekend with his Tech buddies. They all met up in Phoenix for the Texas Tech v. Arizona State football game. Tech had a disappointing loss, but Brian and the boys still had a great weekend together. 

Sarah joined a cheer team over the summer and they have been practicing several times a week since June. The weekly football games started in August and we have been spending our Saturdays watching her do her thing! She absolutely loves it! 

 

Katie is still taking her piano lesson and she started a hip hop dance class, which she is enjoying so far. She's also doing Cotillion this year with her best little friend, Julia. They've had one meeting so far and they learned the Cha-Cha, practiced posture and conversation techniques, and played a little dancing game. It was really cute to watch them learn all about manners and etiquette. She had a great time dressing up with Julia!

Last weekend, we went camping in Sequoia National Park. We arrived after dark on Friday, but it didn't take long to get our tent set up and make our beds. We came prepared for the chilly nights with wool blankets and long underwear, and we slept great! Saturday morning was chilly! After bacon and eggs for breakfast, we went on the Congress Trail hike in the Giant Forest. They weren't kidding when they said Giant!!!

After lunch, we went on a tour of Crystal Cave, a marble cave in Sequoia. It was pretty neat. I've never been in a marble cave before and it was beautiful! 

We spent the rest of Saturday afternoon at the campsite. The girls played frisbee and threw the football around. Brian built a campfire and I read my book. We had hotdogs for dinner and s'mores for dessert (of course!!) Then Katie entertained us with a scary story that she made up. It was a great camping trip. We might have to do it again!